Also, Scarlett Johansson kissing Sandra Bullock? What? That was random/dumb.
Also, this awards show’s alternate title is “Twilight 3, the prequel.”
I like the inclusion of the Jersey Shore cast.
And Malfoy won “Best Villain?” Christoph Waltz looked like he was in serious disbelief.
Jessica Alba + Vanessa Hudgens presenting together? It’s like the two really hot girls who have unfortunately not made any movies of note (so sad I have to call this one since I actually DO think they are both gorgeous) and are famous for just being hot/Zac Efron’s girlfriend.
Xtina–strobe lights, dry ice, you in a sequined leotard getting fondled by your dancers while screaming your pipes out does not a good song make. Sorry. Even if you are jumping on the Lady Gaga train, you just will not ever reach her level… sadly I feel like your whole career is an amazing voice wasted on shitty songs.
I feel like this is Hollywood, epitomized–money money moneyyy/pandering… despite the shittiness of the movies winning every big star is at this thing… grownups presenting to films adored by teenie-boppers because, well, those are the ones grossing the most money these days…
Good commercials though. This is like the Superbowl of teen-land.
This video elicits a lot of feelings within me–and obviously it’s about Haiti more than Canada; but my first reaction was to kind of bring me back to my “country,” a place that, I suppose after 8 years abroad, has somewhat receded from the forefront of my consciousness, to a deeper place within “who I am.”
And perhaps it isn’t only a Canadian thing to do, make a video like this, as many artists of different nationalities have, but it did make me think about Canada as a nation–how it is more about peacekeeping, and less self-centered at times than its southern cousin. This isn’t me doing any America-bashin–obviously the US has been crucial in Haitian relief; but the differences between the two countries, especially in value systems and corresponding mentalities, is something that I’ve thought about in depth, and may even write my senior thesis on.
For instance, universal healthcare? Not a question in Canada. And for all that I have been educated in American schools, by conservative “American” (more or less) parents, bowing to the temple of capitalism myself many a time, and even for that, having spent my fair share of time in hospitals as a child, I might have straighter legs or less of a limp had I been treated in private clinics in the US–I still think that the access to healthcare is a right, and not a commodity.
And that’s just not something anyone would question north of the border. Or really, in any developed country outside of America. Yes, those systems have their issues as well. But it’s part of a mentality, seemingly non-existent at Harvard, and perhaps in the areas of the US where I have spent most time, that you are not just in it for yourself.
It’s not a race to the finish with one man left standing; it’s more of a team effort. Does this mean Canada has higher taxes? Yes. Are we less nationalistic? To the extent that American nationalism is highly predicated on a burning sense of individualism–yes.
And indeed, one of the greatest things about America is its openness, its freedom, its ideal of any one person getting able to do anything they set their mind to (of course, having money to begin with, speaking English, and not being black helps).
The point is that I’m not trying to deal in absolutes; no place ever functions that way, and look at me, getting all caught up in intellectual musings when my real first reaction to the video was–
Hey, that’s pretty cool. That makes me feel really proud to be Canadian, even if that’s kinda cheesy. Reminds me of that Canadian “helpful” spirit. And also reminds me how many great artists, especially musicians and actors, come out of my country.
(Oh, and second reaction was–huh. That’s ironic that the waving flag has become a symbol of freedom, since in the past it was really a symbol of imperialism and paternalism-basically an external manifestation of a guy sticking his stick wherever the fuck he feels like.)
Oh, and I should also say this comes courtesy of my little sister.
Get prepared for blogger diarrhea–so many things knocking around in my head for the past bit that I haven’t talked about!
Das Racist – You Oughta Know
Great classic rock cover by this self described “WEED EDGE/HARE KRISHNA HARD CORE/ART RAP/FREAK FOLK MUSIC TRIO BASED IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK” that’s super catchy–you can download their EP, Shut Up Dude, here. The second song, “Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell,” is also hilarious.
Anya Marina – Whatever You Like
Absolutely LOVE this haunting Lil Wayne cover–some of you may remember it played on Gossip Girl a while back. It somehow makes the song, with its lyrics stripped of the expected rap beat and background, way more chilling and even poisonous-seeming in its innocence. Like that book Twelve by Nick McDonnell (which I guess also recalls GG). Anyways, I haven’t checked out her other stuff yet, but am psyched to here.
Far East Movement ft. The Cataracts & Dev – Like a G6
Ok, so I’m not professing to be posting super cutting-edge new music on here–just stuff I’m listening to. And I love this song–I am resolved to use “getting slizzard” in my every day vocabulary from now on.
Rihanna vs Crystal Castles – Rude Baptism
Fun mashup from The Hood Internet of “Rude Boy” that injects freshness into top 40 favorite (click here). Courtesy of Sarah. Thanks babe.
And finally…
Sean Kingston ft. Justin Bieber – Eenie Meenie
I am not going to apologize for this one. This video, especially, more than just listening to the audio, gives me so much joy. It’s frikkin adorable! And I am NOT a Belieber. Sorry, fans, please don’t kill me. But anyways–I don’t know, the video is just so fun and the song’s so innocent and sweet, and good, and… may or may not be something I feel is about me (har, har) so yes. Yes, this is definitely on my playlist.
Plus, a few honorable mentions:
Best line: “Maybe I need some rehab, or maybe just need some sleep” – Ke$ha, “Your Love is My Drug” – hahaha, pretty much epitomized how I felt about my last month of junior year.
Throwback: The Flaming Lips – Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (Part 1)came on at dinner at Russell House last night (perhaps more on that later… short story is that the playlist was better than the food, but it was still fun)and I was reminded of how fun it is.
Happy points: Florence and the Machine – Dog Days are Over. Would have put this above but for some reason the video isn’t showing up. I love happy songs in general, and this reminds me of working at LF all spring and my manager dancing, lol.
New: The Taio Cruz album came out on iTunes on Tuesday! I’m excited to check that one out.
Welcome to Panama Hat. This blog has been a long time coming–and like so many things I put off, it was taking that first step that gave me so much trouble: in this case, choosing a name. My blog, as the “projection of my self” online would have to, of course, ... Continue reading »
